Two exceptional JROTC cadets from South-Doyle High School have achieved a remarkable milestone by securing full-ride Army ROTC scholarships, paving the way for their college education without the burden of financial strain.
Zach Barrier and Sam Trumpore, both deeply committed to serving their country, will be attending Carson-Newman University together, embarking on their journeys toward becoming officers in the United States Army.
For Barrier, the legacy of military service runs deep within his family, stretching back to the Revolutionary War.
“It’s kind of a family legacy,” Barrier said. “It feels like I’m part of something bigger than myself.”
With an interest in becoming a physical therapist, Barrier recognizes the scholarship’s value not only in alleviating financial stress but also in providing a secure future with a fulfilling career.
Trumpore’s motivation stems from the career prospects and the opportunity to serve his country, and he views the scholarship as a gateway to pursuing his passion for criminal justice, with aspirations of attending law school post-graduation.
His journey through JROTC has not only instilled discipline and work ethic but has also served as a catalyst for personal growth, transforming him from a reserved kid to a confident leader.
“It’s really opened my eyes to how much I can do if I just put my mind to it,” Trumpore said. “It helps you build a work ethic and learn to stay committed to things.”
Both cadets credit their involvement in JROTC for shaping their character and providing invaluable leadership experiences.
Barrier, who has held various leadership positions within the program, highlights the program’s impact on his athletic pursuits, enhancing his performance on the baseball team and fostering a sense of camaraderie among his peers.
Trumpore emphasizes the transformative power of JROTC, which not only helped him discover his passion for running but also equipped him with the resilience and determination necessary to overcome challenges.
Retired Maj. Marcus Vartan, the JROTC instructor, highlights the program’s primary objective of nurturing well-rounded individuals who are committed to serving their communities.
Through extensive community service initiatives, including Civil War cemetery clean-ups and food bank volunteering, cadets are instilled with a sense of civic duty and empathy, preparing them for future leadership roles.
“Our mission is to motivate young people to be better citizens,” Vartan said. “And we see that mostly through community service, in becoming good teammates, and working as a team.”
This year’s service learning project was working to solve food insecurity in East Tennessee through partnerships with Beardsley Farms and Second Harvest Food Bank.
On campus, their continuous improvement project had the battalion renovate an old rugby shed into usable conference rooms, study spaces, and a weight room for the cadets.
The Cherokee Battalion also set the JROTC national record two years ago for the most flags retired: 6,132 in total.
These projects are just the beginning of the program’s involvement in their community and school.
Vartan emphasizes the significance of the Army ROTC scholarships in recognizing cadets’ academic, athletic, and leadership achievements, and last year, South-Doyle had a record of three cadets who earned the coveted scholarship.
As Barrier and Trumpore embark on their college journeys, they epitomize the values of dedication, service, and leadership instilled by the JROTC program.
With the support of the Army ROTC scholarships, they are poised to make significant contributions to their communities and nation while pursuing their academic and professional aspirations.
